Electricity is actually the flow or movement of electrons through a material. Electric
generating plants typically produce electricity using magnetic conduction. This happens when
a large coil of wires are spun around inside a magnetic field, causing electrons to move (i.e.,
electricity to flow).
First, the fuel is burned in a giant furnace to release heat energy. Heat from the furnace then
flows around pipes full of cold water. The heat boils the water in these pipes and turns the
water into steam.
The steam flows at high-pressure around a wheel that's a bit like a windmill made of tightly
packed metal blades. It is called a turbine. The blades of the turbine start turning as the steam
flows past.
These blades are attached to a pole-like shaft.
When the blades inside the turbine begin to turn,
the shaft (or pole) turns which causes a coil of
wires to turn. The container with the coil of wires
and the magnet is called a generator.
This flow of electrons is electricity. The
electricity travels out of the generator to a
transformer nearby. Wires coming from the
generator are used to conduct the flow of
electricity out to a neighboring switchyard so
that it can be sent to customers.